What's New for Winter

The Nursery in Winter

Winter is a quiet time in the nursery when we recharge ourselves and prepare for spring. Many of our plants have been tucked away for protection from any severe weather. We are open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. We welcome your visit if you have that urge to garden.

Gardening can be done almost year round in our area. Some of the things that are happening at the nursery:

Seed racks arrive by mid January. Come in from the cold and browse through all the seeds that can be planted in spring.

The free seed catalogue from West Coast Seeds will be here by mid-December. This is a valuable reference for anyone growing vegetables.

Fruit trees in bare root condition can be planted on any mild, damp day. There will be many suitable days during the winter. Extra stock arrives in early February. Check our Fruit Tree Page for what we carry. Also we will be putting on a seminar on fruit tree pruning in early February. Check our Seminar Page in January to see when it has been scheduled.

Trees and shrubs can be safely planted if the ground is not frozen. We have many plants on hand, although some material has been put away and will have to be brought out if requested.

Dormant spraying with copper or a mixture of lime sulphur and oil will protect fruit trees from over wintering pests and diseases.

Garden beds can be covered with soil conditioners such as compost or Sea Soil during the winter. This will smother hardy weed growth and enrich the soil when worked in by spring.

Read a good gardening book for inspiration.

What if cold winter weather arrives?

A few minutes protecting tender plants can save you from a lot of expensive plant losses. If the forecast is for -10°C or lower, get out into the garden to protect these plants.

Heavy snow provides good protection against the cold, but it can do severe damage by breaking branches. Brush the snow off these plants when you are out shovelling.

Be aware which plants may require protection. Commonly planted tender plants include Palm Trees, New Zealand Flax, Dracaena, Eucalyptus, Hebe and Fatsia. In extreme temperatures we see damage to Escallonia, Roses, Viburnum, Kiwi, Evergreen Magnolia, Euonymus and other broadleaf evergreens. Covering the base with mulch is enough to protect some, while others need to be wrapped from the freezing wind.

Loosely branched evergreen shrubs, such as the popular Emerald Cedar should be tied together to prevent snow from pulling the branches apart.

Use your time in winter to reflect on last season's successes and plan for Spring!

December 2011